The King's Witch (Frances Gorges Historical Trilogy, #1)

by Tracy Borman

'An accomplished novel with a vivid historical setting' The Times

'Tracy Borman's debut historical novel has it all: conspiracy, betrayal, dark intrigues, bloody deeds, a poignant love story - and the most famous plot in English history.' Alison Weir, author of the Six Tudor Queens series

Already a great historian, Tracy Borman proves with this thrilling debut novel that she is also a born storyteller.

As she helps to nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth, Frances Gorges longs for the fields and ancient woods of her parents' Hampshire estate, where she has learned to use the flowers and herbs to become a much-loved healer.

Frances is happy to stay in her beloved countryside when the new King arrives from Scotland, bringing change, fear and suspicion. His court may be shockingly decadent, but James's religion is Puritan, intolerant of all the old ways; he has already put to death many men for treason and women for witchcraft.

So when her ambitious uncle forcibly brings Frances to court, she is trapped in a claustrophobic world of intrigue and betrayal - and a ready target for the twisted scheming of Lord Cecil, the King's first minister.
Surrounded by mortal dangers, Frances finds happiness only with the precocious young Princess Elizabeth, and Tom Wintour, the one courtier she can trust.

Or can she?

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Praise for The King's Witch

'Exquisitely written, sumptuous in detail and thrillingly plotted . . . The first of what promises to be a magnificent trilogy.' Kate Williams, broadcaster and author of Becoming Queen

'Watch out Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, I can see a new contender for the Queen of Historical Fiction!' Netgalley reviewer

'The adventures of her courageous heroine put flesh on the bones of a fascinating historical framework. First rate fiction!' Sunday Mirror

'A fascinating read, felt very true to time period but with that personal touch . . . Five stars' Jeannie Zelos book reviews

'A compelling tale of corruption, danger and coruscating suspicion, The King's Witch carries the reader right to the heart of James I's court - and casts a dazzling new light onto one of the most dramatic moments in British history' Sarah Gristwood, author of Blood Sisters

'This book just about has it all - history, mystery, sorcery, treachery and romance, no wonder it kept me hooked' Netgalley reviewer

• ISBN10: 1473662303
• ISBN13: 9781473662308
• Publish Date: 14 June 2018
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 21 January 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Hodder & Stoughton
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The King's Witch is the first book in a fictionalized historical trilogy set during the reign of King James. Historian Tracy Borman's familiarity and expertise with the period make it very authentic reading, but for readers who aren't very familiar with the background history and the time period, access to supplementary references might enhance the experience. I found myself confused about context at several points and had to go look up the secondary characters. The fictionalized parts of the story are skillfully interwoven with documented history and I was impressed at how plausible the author's interpretations were.

This first volume was released 13th July 2018 by Grove Atlantic. It's 448 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

History is not normally my first genre choice. This one, however, was very well written and after a slow start, was paced and plotted well. The intrigues and power-jockeying at court were so clearly described that they were almost uncomfortable to read in several places.

Historical fiction lovers will really find a lot to like here. I will pick up the next novel in the series and I did enjoy this one, though I had to look up some of the back-history myself.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes